Last Monday President George Abela launched the annual fine arts auction in aid of the annual Malta Community Chest Fund’s Istrina philanthropic fundraiser.

The arts auction is now in its fourth year, and 62 well known artists have each contributed one of their best works to the auction, the entire proceeds of which go to the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The works of art are currently being exhibited at the President’s Palace State Rooms and the exhibition will be open daily between 9am and 5pm until 21 November.

Organising committee chairperson Doris Zahra urged the public to visit the exhibition, and attend the auction by Joe Sammut of Belgravia Auction Gallery, which is being held on 23 November at the President’s palace in San Anton. She also appealed to companies to take part.

The Malta Community Chest Fund works incessantly throughout the year to attract funds for numerous good causes.  Consequently, avenues are utilised throughout the year to attract donations, which are the lifeblood of the Fund.  One such avenue is the responsibility of the Fine Arts Auction Committee, which has since 2009 successfully organised the Annual Fine Arts Auction.  

Success has been the trademark to date and this year will be no exception, judging from the good quality of works of art of contemporary artists donated by leading Maltese artists.

Once again the venue for the auction will be at the San Anton Palace, which President Abela has placed at the disposal of the committee for the occasion, one of the first activities of this year’s L-Istrina campaign.

As in previous years all works of art have been kindly donated by a good number of artists, which can be  viewed by visiting the website of the Malta Community Chest Fund at www.mccf.org.mt  or, even better, by visiting the exhibition of all the lots at the President’s Palace in Valletta up to 21 November.

The auction will be held on Friday, 23 November at San Anton Palace commencing at 8pm, followed by a Champagne Reception.    Joseph Sammut, Head Auctioneer at Belgravia Auction Gallery, has once again this year offered to conduct this auction.  

The Palace doors open at 7pm and a minivan shuttle service will be offered to transport patrons to and from the Guardroom to San Anton Palace courtyard right through the evening until the end of the auction.  

An elevator lift service will also be available for senior citizens and persons with disability.

The amount collected will be announced during the L-Istrina programme.

Entrance for the auction at the Palace in San Anton goes is against a donation of €25. Space is limited, and booking is recommended. Offers may be made through a bidding form at the exhibition, by email to [email protected] or by phoning 21221221, 22053148 or 99874068.